Public toilet on ground floor to be shifted in front with access from the courtyard
2
Can Bhajan space be multipurpose? To be discussed with Bhajan group
3
Basement to be planned. For maximum utility of basement, water tank be shifted to courtyard which in turn be used for water distribution to public after water harvesting
4
Baidyo space be used as information centre and part of kitchen be used as ancillary office space with sliding folding partition so that once a year this space be used as kitchen
5
Ht. not to exceed around 40’ although measured ht. till the top of Gajur is 56’ (from surveyed information) as the actual established deity is lower
6
Elevation to be developed
7
Floor heating not a necessity as we have just 4 months of winter that too not severe. Also equipments for floor heating require frequent maintenance and therefore not cost effective. However, floor heating not totally phased out, still open for discussion and expert technical opinion
These are digitized versions of portraits that adorn one of the walls of the Bhajan chamber, besides the main entrance to the Janabahaa complex, on the ground floor of the Digi Chhen. The portraits depict some of the more famous Malla-dynasty kings, who ruled the Kathmandu Valley from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (see Wikipedia article at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malla_(Nepal)).
If you wish to get your hands on replicas of these precious collectors' items, hold your horses for a few days. We will tell you right here, on this blog, how you can acquire high-quality copies of these.
In ancient times, the vihars were holy places where Vajrayani and Mahayani camps of Buddhism were studied. Buddhist philosophy and meditation was practiced in the vihars to bring about peace, harmony and brotherhood with an altruistic view following the ideals of the Bodhichitta vow, “Buddho Bhaveyam Jagato Hitaya.” Nowadays that altruistic vision of the vihars and its concept seems to be diverted only towards rituals, feasts, festivals and celebrations. The practice of meditation and the studying of Buddhist philosophy in the vihars have virtually disappeared, and the compassionate ideals of Karunamaya totally forgotten.
Today, Janabahaa is a living heritage site with a rich history, and is a centre of enormous pride for the Nepali society. Many ancient customs and rituals are still widely practiced at Janabahaa. The chariot festival and many other popular events related to Aryavalokiteswara are celebrated annually with much gusto and fanfare. Thousands of devotees throng to Janabahaa on particular religious or cultural occasions throughout the year.
The complex is dotted with more than fifty different chaityas (chortens), pillars and other objects of religious significance. The temple itself is endowed with hundreds of intricate metal or wooden works of art, each with its own symbolic meaning.
It is believed that Karunamaya Aryavalokiteswara (the compassionate one) came to this earth in prehistoric times with an altruistic view to eliminate the sufferings of all sentient beings and for the welfare of mankind. He is considered to be a protector of the whole world. Hindus as well as Mahayani Buddhists (Newar Buddhists) worship Aryavalokiteswara Karunamaya with great faith. Hindus call him the white Machhindra Nath, the great guru of Gorakhnath, while Mahayani Buddhists call him Aryavalokiteswara, Janabahadyo, Karunamaya, Lokeswara, etc.
Though there are 108 prominent Lokeswaras displayed in the temple complex of Aryavalokiteswara, some Mahayani Buddhists also believe there are 360 Lokeswaras altogether. Among the 108 Lokeswaras, Karunamaya Aryavalokiteswara is considered the most compassionate one. He is famous for his vow, "Buddho Bhaveyam Jagato Hitaya" (meaning, "may I become the Buddha for the welfare of mankind."), which is known as the Bodhichitta vow.
Because of his compassionate nature towards all sentient beings without any discrimination of cast and creed, Aryavalokiteswara was very famous in the Buddhist world even before the Pancha Buddhas came into light. In the Pancha Rakshya Sutra, a Buddhist scripture of about 200 A.D., Aryavalokiteswara was counted among the eight major deities, in the same rank as Akshyobhya, Raja, Aryavalokiteswara, Amitabha, Nemi, Ratna, Archi and Meru. In another Buddhist scripture, the Saddharma Sutra, he is described as the great protector – one who protects from the eight fears, such as fire, water, disease, death, etc. Therefore, people of Hindu, Shaiva or Buddhist religion honor Karunamaya equally as a deity capable of liberating all conscious beings from trouble and for prolonging one's life.
The temple of Aryavalokiteswara is situated at Kanak Chaitya Mahavihar (popularly known as Janabahaa) near Indra Chowk in central Kathmandu, and was built during king Yaksha Malla’s period. The statue and temple of Aryavalokiteswara was originally located in Jama Yambi area (Jamal at present) during the Lichhavi period, which, for some reason, turned into a rice field in the course of time. According to folklore, during King Yakshya Malla’s period, a local farmer stumbled into a metal statue while digging his field, and took it home. Karunamaya appeared in the farmer’s dream and asked to be taken to Kanak Chaitya Mahavihar, which he promptly did, and installed the statue in a temple. Thus, the temple of Janabahaa Dyo was established in present day Kel Tol.
Architecture of the temple suggests that initially a small structure was built during King Yaksha Malla’s reign, but was later upgraded during King Laxmi Narasingh Malla’s period, as per the inscription on a bracelet found within the temple premises. It is not yet known when the temple was upgraded to its present form, as formal research is yet to be conducted about the many inscriptions found all over the temple complex.
Kanak Chaitya
Kanak Chaitya (or Mu Chiva) is among the ancient chaityas found in the Kathmandu Valley. People believe it is built by the Kolees, descendants of the maternal family of Lord Buddha, who were driven away from Kapilvastu, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The Kolees eventually found their way to Kathmandu and took shelter here about 2,400 years ago. The locality where they took refuge was named Koligram, after the Kolees, and was later renamed during the Malla period as Kel Tol, which is the name it is known with till today. Kanak Chaitya was established by the Kolees in honor of Kanak Muni Buddha, as proven by an Ashok-era manuscript found in Kapilvastu.
Kwapa Dyo (Caretaker Deity) and Digi Chhen
Kwapa Dyo (also called Kostha Pala Dyo, Kwachapal Dyo, etc.), is a manifestation of the Akshyobhya Buddha. Kwapa Dyo is one of the prominent deities of Buddhist vihars of the Vajrayani sect, and is always placed on the ground floor of a long, two- or three-story building, known as Digi Chhen. Public properties, such as vihars, were built long and tall, which were proudly called Dirgha Chhen (or long house) by priests and monks who lived or studied there. Digi Chhen is the corrupt form of Dirgha Chhen. On the first floor of Digi Chhen, which is known as the Agama, mostly Chakrasamvar (who belongs to the lineage of Akshyobhya Tathagat family) is found as the main deity. In Janabahaa, the placement of Kwapa Dyo and Digi Chhen contradicts with the vihar construction methods described in Buddhist scriptures Kriya Sangraha and Kriya Smmuchaya, and hence is a matter of in-depth research.
In 1917 A.D., a great fire broke out at Kel Tol, which engulfed everything except the important deities of Kwapa Dyo and Digi Chhen. The priests of Janabhaa, at that critical moment, shifted all deities to Lakha Tirtha near Chagal in the western part of Kathmandu, planning to store them there until the renovation of Digi Chhen was completed. But the Kwapa Dyo was never brought back, and remains at Lakha Tirtha till this day. The present Kwapa Dyo at Janabahaa is one that has been established recently.
Pagoda
Deities have been housed in pagoda (or Kutagar) style temples since the time of the Buddha. When Lord Buddha was in his mother’s womb, he is believed to have been housed in a pagoda style enclosure. The temple of Janabahaa Dyo is also built in pagoda style, and is considered one of the most ornately decorated temples in Kathmandu valley.
Toran
Carvings on the mantelpiece above the door, or tympanum (toran), serves as an indicator of which deity is inside the building. Image of Amoghpasa Lokeswara is embodied in this intricate toran.
Jina Stambha
Jina Stambha is a pillar established mandatorily in all vihars to pledge for the stability of the rule of Buddhism, and symbolizes truth, religion and purity in one’s conduct. Jina Sthambas have been established since the time of Ashoka, the great conqueror emperor of India.
Chhetrapal
One of the unique features of all Vajrayani temples and vihars is the Chhetrapal, a small square dugout in front of the temple, for the protection of the complex. The Chhetrapal is also revered as Lukumaha Dyo, a form of Shiva.
NOTE: Janabahaa Society is looking for donors (in kind or cash) to publish a leaflet with the above content. Please email info@janabahaa.org.np or call 9851085316 if you would like to help, or know someone who might be able to help.
Countless heaps of dust and muck were removed from the upper floors during the cleaning up process to replace the flooring.
All the grime was collected in the courtyard...
...and sifted through meticulously.
Mummified mice and pigeons were a common find.
A few artifacts were found in the dirt, though of no great value.
These are some of the dyo pala gurujus (caretaker priests of Janabahaa Dyo) who personally undertook most of the renovation works at the temple. Indra Bajracharya (in red jacket) from Bhinchhebahaa, Patan is not associated with Janabahaa Dyo, but was the lead technician in the repair works, drawing from his vast experience of working with similar projects earlier.
Today, we are faced with the challenge of uncontrolled cramming up of the core areas of Kathmandu with population overflow from all over the country, and from neighboring India as well. Janabahaa is no exception. Despite that, this holy courtyard remains a favorite recreational area for children from the entire neighborhood. The clutter of stupas in the courtyard does not seem to bother them -- in fact, it helps make a perfect hide-and-seek playground.
Janabahaa is a heaven for people watchers. It is relatively calm, though there is plenty going on. People are hectically engaged either in commerce, or in trying to take control of their karma. Or they are just chilling out.
All interested individuals and organizations are requested to provide their feedback, comments, criticism, suggestions, contributions and inputs of any kind no later than October 20, 2009 by commenting on this blog or by sending email to info@janabahaa.org.np to help in the decision making process in an efficient, all-encompassing manner.
Minutes (recorded by Umesh Tamrakar)
PROJECT TITLE
Janabaha Agam chen
Meeting title
Site meeting on modified plans
Date
12.09.09
Time
8.30am
Present
Mr. Tirtha Dhar Tuladhar
Mr. Nil Kaji Shakya
Mr. Bijay Shrestha
Mr. Prem Ratna Bajracharya
Ms. Rajani Tamrakar
Mr. Dinesh Bajra Bajracharya
Mr. Indra Raj Bajracharya
Mr. Alok Tuladhar
Mr. Jai Rajbhandari
Mr. Umesh Kaji Tamrakar
SN
PARTICULARS
ACTION
1
Can Bhajan space be relocated? It was agreed that it can.
2
Bhajan space along with office space be combined as multipurpose space for Bhajan, information centre, display hall, meeting etc.
Umesh developing plans
3
One public pay toilet on the ground floor with access from outside and one on upper floors for Gurjus. May be keep the position of the public toilet in the ground floor as is in the drawing with access from Balkumari road.
4
Can Basement/ Semi basement be provided?
New by laws says yes
5
If the ht. permits (i.e not exceeding the ht. of the actual temple) can one more floor be added? As per by laws there is restriction to ht. 35’ for Preserved monument sub zone and 45’ for Cultural heritage sub-zone. For buildings in Preserved monument sub zone maximum 4 storey each 8’ ht.
Ht. of temple is being measured by Graphic survey team on 13.09.09.
Umesh to confirm whether this area lies in Preserved monument sub-zone or Cultural heritage sub-zone.
6
Can entrance be made narrower than 13’? Entrance was made smaller from around 16’ to 13’.
Scores of families earn a livelihood out of Janabahaa. Any development work, including renovation, preservation, sanctification, etc. should not overlook that fact. The need to strike a balance between change and impact is inescapable. Here are some faces of people who depend upon Janabahaa for their very survival.
After all, Janabahaa Dyo (or Karunamaya) is all about compassion, isn't it?
His bio reads like this: "still trying to confirm some inner certainties about architecture: hopelessly romantic, incurably impractical."
Sounds familiar? Yes, that is our own Bibhuti Man Singh, who graduated from the West Pakistan University of Engineering and Technology in Lahore in 1972. He completed his Post Graduate training through a JICA sponsored program. He is the Chief Architect of Kathmandu-based architecture firm Technical Interface and the Former president of the Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA). Some the projects he worked on include the Park Village Resort at Budhanilkantha, Club Himalaya at Nagarkot, Himalayan Pavilion in Hanover Expo 2000, etc.
A revival of the classical composition that existed before the fire.
A more streamlined composition of functional spaces on each floor.
A visitor-friendly depiction of popular imagery on the facade.
Fixtures & finishes more in line with contemporary sensitivities.
Repair & reuse of existing artifacts & materials (adaptive reuse).
He also believes in fully documenting the whole process of creating the new design for the Digi Chhen as it unfolds over the coming months in a transparent and inclusive manner with the aim of incorporating all conflicting or competing interests or perspectives into the final design.
If you have any questions for him, please feel free to put up them up as a comment to this post together with your email address, and they will be forwarded to him.
Remember all the high-tech stuff going on at Janabhaa the other day (http://janabahaa.blogspot.com/2009/09/focusing-on-digi-chhen.html)? Well, the result of that survey is out, and the height of the main Janabhaa Dyo temple is officially declared as 53.64173228346457 feet (16.35 meters). Thanks again to Achyut Bajracharya and team from Graphic Survey & Design Consult for conducting this very important task so efficiently.
No one knows when the Digi Chhen was built, or who build it. Though it has been used all along as a community center, it was not clear who the actual owner of the property was. But that changed forever on July 21, 2009, when the government issued the official land ownership certificate (or lalpurja) to "Shree Seto Machhindra Nathko Aagan Ghar (Digi Agamchhen)." This herculean feat was made possible because of the efforts of the local community -- the different groups of people who use the building in various ways.
When this infrequent visitor showed up at Janabahaa out of the blue, it caused quite a commotion, disturbing the tranquility for a while.Photos by Alok Tuladhar.
Conceptual drawing of front façade of Digi Chen for its proposed reconstruction. Drawing by senior architect Bibhuti Man Singh.
Proposed conceptual floor plan drawings for the ground, first and second floors of the Digi Chen. All drawings by senior architect Bibhuti Man Singh.
Meeting held on September 8, 2009 to analyze the conceptual drawings shown above.
Minutes (Recorded by Umesh Tamrakar)
PROJECT TITLE
Janabaha Agam chen
Meeting title
Site meeting
Date
08.09.09
Time
8.30am
Present
Ananda Shakya, Thakuli
Ratna Harsha Shakya
Devananda Shakya
Kanak Shakya
Nil Kaji Shakya
Swayambhu Bajracharya
Mindu Bajracharya
Dharma Shakya
Suresh Bajracharya
Pushpa Shakya
Buddha Ratna Shakya
Prem Ratna Shakya
Nabin Shakya
Dipankar Shakya
Mr. Tirtha Dhar Tuladhar
Mr. Manik Tuladhar
Jai Rajbhandari
Mr. Alok Tuladhar
Rajani Tamrakar
Mr. Umesh Kaji Tamrakar
SN
PARTICULARS
ACTION
1
GROUND FLOOR
1.1
‘Kopa dyo chen’ room size to increase
1.2
Kitchen to accommodate 12-15 psn, preparation space required
1.3
‘Bhajan’ room size to be increased 12-15 psn, can be relocated to the left of entrance
1.4
Toilet required
1.5
Bai dyo space needs to be used as office space as well
1.6
Existing ‘Mahankal dyo’ to be placed against the wall so that it can be seen from the road
1.7
Entrance can be slightly reduced in width if space is limited for ‘Bhajan’ and Kitchen
1.8
Internal decorative columns were advised to be removed as it might cause obstruction
2
FIRST FLOOR
2.1
‘Agam dyo’ needs privacy so access from the east through the middle room suggested rather than from the verandah in the west where it opens up to the courtyard.
2.2
Verandah space to be included in the room – gurjus to have direct view from the rooms to the main deity
2.3
‘Agam dyo’ room size to be increased by removing store
3
SECOND FLOOR
3.1
Verandah to be included in the hall/ store thereby increasing the hall/ store size
3.2
Store to be relocated near the stair with access from the hall
4
ELEVATION
4.1
Gurjus suggested in the reconstruction of elevation that existed before 1972 fire
The minutes and conceptual drawings have been posted in this public blog site during this planning phase with the objective of providing transparency and inclusiveness in the decision-making process. Those of you who are unable to attend the meeting physically may criticize the concepts and suggestions that have developed so far via this blog or by email (info@janabahaa.org.np) and your comments will be given due importance. Totally original thoughts and proposals are also very welcome at this time. Photos by Alok Tuladhar.
Janabahaa Heritage Information Centre aims to bring about positive changes around the Seto Macchendranath complex in central Kathmandu to solve issues faced by this sacred neighborhood -- by increasing awareness so that community members will come up with solutions.
We send out brief emails periodically to anyone who is interested in the happenings and developments at Janabahaa. If you would like to be in that mailing list, please write a short note to alokstuladhar@gmail.com.
Posts
